How to Install Joist Tape - Colorado Custom Covers & Decks

Learn about using joist tape and how to properly apply it. Joist tape is an asphalt-based tape that helps prevent rot and extends the life of your deck.
Key Points Covered:
-Benefits of Joist Tape:
1) Prevents Rot: Protects joists from water damage by creating a barrier.
2) Acts as a Washer: Seals screw holes to prevent water ingress, reducing the risk of rot and snapping.
Application Process:
1) Preparation: Ensure a clean surface and apply tape as close to the house as possible.
2) Installation: Roll out the tape along the joists, ensuring full coverage and a secure fit.
3) Finishing Touches: Press down firmly to adhere the tape tightly to the joists.
Using joist tape is a simple but effective way to ensure your deck remains durable and long-lasting.
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[@klmbuilders5385]

Here's a tip for you: Tape the joists before they're installed. Walking on the joists is tedious and painstaking. Not to mention, joist tape is very slick. We tape on the ground and roll back the extended ends to cap ledgers and/or girders. Then we tape the girders as we're installing the joists.

[@coversanddecks]

geardriven the only problem with tapping before you install the joist leave the inability to plain the deck. Once the tape is one you cannot plain. We take a good amount of time in planing our decks to insure a nice smooth surface. I prefer to just use steel joist and not worry about planing or tapping.

[@ProtectoWrap]

Thanks for the mention! We've actually recently improved our Deck Joist Tape with a much more aggressive adhesive and new slip resistant facer.

[@coversanddecks]

Love your stuff

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

Hay boss....million dollar question fer ya.... after I plain my joist fer perfection,do I need ta treat the exposed wood befer the joist tape??????????????

[@matthewerickson2006]

You look like a healthy version of Bam Margera. Good work, btw.

[@charlesbush1717]

Do you still put the tape on at that stage or do you put it on down on the ground?

[@coversanddecks]

Yes, you have to plain the deck before you install the joist tape.

[@Sarnt_Eskie]

Thank you sir!, keep up the good work and stay safe out there!

[@NSHomestead]

Thanks Patrick, great video!

[@coversanddecks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kaynah11]

Do you recommend taping the joist bracing as well? I noticed that there was not any in the example deck. TIA!

[@coversanddecks]

Yes, we tape all wood framing. Thanks for watching

[@sylvaindastous9822]

Usually they sale in 4 inches wide....you think I can cut in half and do like you ??

[@coversanddecks]

Sylvain Dastous yes, you can cut it in half it is a bit difficult and messy to do that. Using 4” will just protect the joist a little more.

[@neeho2]

Can I use this when the joists are wet? I’m building a little here and there but it’s late January and has been raining of and on for months
I haven’t moved forward yet because I’m not sure if I can apply this tape when the boards are wet

[@kesm66]

Wonder why installers don’t overlap the joist with material by 1” or so on the sides?

[@thardyryll]

There is no need to tape the sides of the joists. In fact, the tape works better when it does not, as it serves as a drip edge to send water away from the joist sides. You might find that many tapes are far harder to install than is shown in the video, as the backing can be difficult to remove without it tearing.

[@EverythingSpicy]

Was that Buytl tape?

[@coversanddecks]

Yes

[@jasperjones6962]

Can you use them on cut stringers too?

[@coversanddecks]

Yes we tape all of our wood

[@wehavetowakeup2049]

Ledger flashing?

[@coversanddecks]

Always

[@THETRUTHZ]

Please add the joist tape on before the install just for safety reasons. one slip on a joist and your nuts becomes peanut butter.

[@Chau083]

Joists not joistses

[@JohnnyBlueJeans55]

The plural of joist is joists, not joist-es. Pet peeve. Sorry.